Fix the Missed Connections in Brooklyn’s Bike Lane Network

A good bike network is only as strong as its weakest link. We call on the NYC DOT to fix the gaps between Brooklyn’s bicycle lanes in the interest of creating a comprehensive network that facilitates safe travel throughout the borough. We thank the DOT for the work completed to-date to install miles of lanes that improve cyclists’ safety. We now write to emphasize the importance of the DOT creating a true network.

Every time a bike lane ends before connecting to another proper route, it creates an unsafe condition. These short interruptions force cyclists to take unnecessary risks to compete with larger, faster vehicles for space and lead to harrowing experiences that discourage people from riding. Lanes drop for a variety of reasons: spatial constraint, political pressures, and more, but we contest that DOT must not prioritize on-street parking or politics over people’s safety on NYC streets. In order to ensure safe travel for bicyclists of every age and ability, we call on the DOT to fix these small but essential missed connections.

I am writing to urge the City and NYC DOT to fix the missed connections in Brooklyn’s bicycle lane network. Every time a bike lane ends before connecting to another route, it creates an unsafe condition. These short interruptions force cyclists to take unnecessary risks to compete with larger, faster vehicles for space and lead to harrowing experiences that discourage people from riding. A good bike network, one that lets us get to work and school safely, is only as strong as its weakest link. I ask the City to prioritize people’s safety, fix those weak links, and fill in our small but essential missed connections.